The updated Bajaj Pulsar 220F has just been launched in India and if you are wondering if you’ve travelled back in time, this is very much 2024. The Pulsar 220F has been around for well over a decade, but sells in numbers large enough to warrant continued production. The bike has received a few updates for 2024 and here are its top highlights.
Design
The Bajaj Pulsar 220F is the company’s first semi-faired motorcycle and looks good even after all these years. The characteristic stacked headlight setup with the projector low beam, the chunky fuel tank and the sharp-looking tail with the iconic twin-strip LED tail lights are some of its design highlights.
Bajaj has pasted new graphics across the bodywork to enhance the appearance of the bike and this has been neatly done.
While the design is old, it stands true to the Bajaj Pulsar design language which explains why there are customers that still opt for the bike.
Features
Bajaj has added a new, digital instrument cluster that has Bluetooth connectivity as well as turn-by-turn navigation. The rider needs to pair his/her smartphone with a cluster using a dedicated app. Once that is done the rider can access data such as incoming call and SMS alerts as well as navigate to a preferred destination. There’s a USB port to charge devices as well, a useful feature in today’s ‘connected world.’
Engine
The Pulsar 220F is powered by a 220cc single-cylinder engine. It makes 20.11bhp and a torque of 18.55 Nm and is linked to a five-speed gearbox. The engine is revered for its performance and sprightly nature. It offers decent fuel efficiency as well.
Hardware
The Pulsar 220F has a double downtube chassis, with a telescopic fork at the front and twin, gas-charged shock absorbers at the rear. The bike rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, shod with MRF rubber. Braking duties are taken care of by a disc at the front and rear.
Price and competition
The Bajaj Pulsar 220F is priced at Rs 1.41 lakh, ex-showroom. This puts it in the vicinity of its far more modern and better equipped cousin, the Pulsar 250. While the price to performance ratio that the Pulsar 220F offers is great, there is no denying that it is quite old and heavy when it comes to handling.
Nevertheless, the bike should appeal to those who want a bit of nostalgia in their garage. After all, the Pulsar 220F was once the king of affordable performance motorcycles.
